the universe says
I should trust
the moon
and scatter some faith
among the stars
my mother says
always be prepared
for the proximity of failure
she carries disappointment
like a tiny box
doling out wisdom
like an infinite gift
*
the city will shut off
our water supply
a paper notice announces
from 11 pm to 7 am
while we sleep
some rerouting
will siphon something
to somewhere
underground
when you sleep
and I can’t
I trace the lines of your face
with my eyes
wondering about the ways
you might one day
break my heart
*
we are a people built for disappointment
for tragedy and pain
these are not lofty declarations
the ocean can attack an island from all sides
the volcano can break the earth beneath you
every single rooftop can be safe to walk upon
if your whole world is buried in lahar
from Poetry Northwest 11.1 Summer & Fall 2016More by from the library
Copyright ©
Used with the permission of the author
on behalf of Poetry Northwest.